Spreadsheets, prior to class this week, were not something I'd ever thought to integrate into my English and/or literature classes. Now, that we've been asked to find a way to integrate spreadsheets into our content areas, I've been wracking my brain for ways to include them. I've got nothin'! If anything, I feel as though I'd be forcing something (spreadsheets) into the content instead of using technology to enhance the content. So, if anyone has any ideas, please share!!!
Our district at one point subscribed to NetTrekker. Due to lack of use and/or interest the subscription wasn't renewed. (I remember that NetTrekker wasn't useful for the content I teach and similar resources could be located in free locations.) I did find a way to use spreadsheets for students to create a visual image using Excel. I could offer this as an option to students during one of our English units where students are provided the opportunity to create a visual image of choice with/in their media/technology of choice. Thinkfinity provides resources and ideas similar to NetTrekker and is free; it's a go to for many of my colleagues.
I am excited about receiving the Blogging in the Classroom book I ordered a few weeks ago. It should provide some Winter Break reading enjoyment. I'm also considering ordering Using Google and Google Tools in the Classroom. Our class is providing a plethora of resources and information, but I am a sucker for books!
Chapter 5 in Supporting Learning with Technology gave me a lot to consider. I think sometimes in the rush of the day and the need to get through units and get things done, I fall short at supporting enough thinking outside of the box and opportunities for students to extend their learning beyond the unit requirements. Each year I try to add more to the classroom, whether it's differentiating another lesson through offering more opportunities for products, etc. or displaying more student work to help create our print rich environment.
On a side note, my husband, who works with Excel daily, was motivated this week to learn something new! We located a video on YouTube that walked him through the process of working with formulas in a new way to display negatives in red. We're learning together!
